It was only in February that Rolls-Royce announced plans for a new SUV but the reveal of a test mule just weeks later confirmed that work on the automaker’s first “high-sided, all-terrain” vehicle had already been underway well before the announcement. We’ve now spotted a test mule for Rolls-Royce’s SUV in the wild. Though the test mule’s exterior doesn’t feature a single design aspect of the final version, it hints at the size of the new SUV and the approximate ride height.
Rolls-Royce’s new SUV, codenamed Project Cullinan (the name is shared with the world’s largest diamond, now found on the British Crown Jewels), is expected on the market in late 2017, which means we’ll likely see it arrive as a 2018 model. Rolls-Royce promises that its SUV will be fully capable off the road, and that even here it will offer the “magic carpet” ride quality the brand is renowned for. This will be due to a newly-developed suspension system the engineers are working on.
It’s not clear what platform will underpin the new SUV but it’s likely to be based on a shortened version of a new aluminum-intensive architecture Rolls-Royce is developing for its next-generation Phantom flagship sedan. No doubt some parts sharing with parent company BMW’s upcoming X7 full-size SUV will also take place.
It’s too early to talk specs but you can bet on a V-12 engine being fitted under the hood. Plug-in hybrid capability will likely be part of the plan at some point. As for the styling, Rolls-Royce design chief Giles Taylor is overseeing the project and has previously hinted that a boxy, chiseled look is likely. The first prototypes should appear by late fall/winter.
Rolls-Royce says the decision to develop an SUV was driven mostly by the urging of its customers but also the pioneering, adventurous spirit of company founders Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce. The duo helped secure Rolls-Royce’s reputation last century by taking top honors in rigorous overland adventures such as the Scottish Reliability Trials, the London to Edinburgh event and the Alpine Trials, so there is some history there.
Last year Rolls-Royce sold a record 4,063 cars. The addition of the new SUV plus the arrival of other new models such as the Dawn (Wraith convertible) and next-generation Phantom could easily push sales above the 5,000-unit mark.
It was only in February that Rolls-Royce announced plans for a new SUV but the reveal of a test mule just weeks later confirmed that work on the automaker’s first “high-sided, all-terrain” vehicle had already been underway well before the announcement. We’ve now spotted a test mule for Rolls-Royce’s SUV in the wild. Though the test mule’s exterior doesn’t feature a single design aspect of the final version, it hints at the size of the new SUV and the approximate ride height.Rolls-Royce’s new SUV, codenamed Project Cullinan (the name is shared with the world’s largest diamond, now found on the British Crown Jewels), is expected on the market in late 2017, which means we’ll likely see it arrive as a 2018 model. Rolls-Royce promises that its SUV will be fully capable off the road, and that even here it will offer the “magic carpet” ride quality the brand is renowned for. This will be due to a newly-developed suspension system the engineers are working on.It’s not clear what platform will underpin the new SUV but it’s likely to be based on a shortened version of a new aluminum-intensive architecture Rolls-Royce is developing for its next-generation Phantom flagship sedan. No doubt some parts sharing with parent company BMW’s upcoming X7 full-size SUV will also take place.It’s too early to talk specs but you can bet on a V-12 engine being fitted under the hood. Plug-in hybrid capability will likely be part of the plan at some point. As for the styling, Rolls-Royce design chief Giles Taylor is overseeing the project and has previously hinted that a boxy, chiseled look is likely. The first prototypes should appear by late fall/winter.Rolls-Royce says the decision to develop an SUV was driven mostly by the urging of its customers but also the pioneering, adventurous spirit of company founders Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce. The duo helped secure Rolls-Royce’s reputation last century by taking top honors in rigorous overland adventures such as the Scottish Reliability Trials, the London to Edinburgh event and the Alpine Trials, so there is some history there.Last year Rolls-Royce sold a record 4,063 cars. The addition of the new SUV plus the arrival of other new models such as the Dawn (Wraith convertible) and next-generation Phantom could easily push sales above the 5,000-unit mark.
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